Used Equipment?

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ncwasherguy

New member
Hello all,

Fairly new to the forum and getting started in the business. I have a budget that I have to work within and know I cant afford a $6k hot water unit.
I would love to have a hot water unit but the only way I can feasibly do it is to buy used. If I can't find this I plan to start with a good quality new cold water unit.

My main concerns are what exactly am I looking for good and bad during a pre purchase inspection of a hot water unit?
Are there any red flags to look for when inspecting a unit?


I'm sorry if this is the wrong thread and I have attempted to find information on the subject on the forum and on the net with no avail.

Thanks everyone for any and all advice.
 
Any red flags, first make sure it works, hot water comes when you pull the trigger and stops when you let go. Watch for crazy pulsations, and make sure the pressure gets and stays up there. If the unit does not have a pressure gauge find a cheap $20 one with quick connects at homedepot or something so you can check yourself.

Biggest issues that you can't see or hear is a bad pump and bad burner. Engine normally you can't hide issues as they are present pretty quickly.

Maybe look at a cheaper cold water unit so you can save for hot water if that's your goal. Also keep in mind that normally the first 6 months many can spend more then they make (you don't make much, and spend more on advertising ect)

Hope that helps
 
Thanks guys. And yes I'm pretty mechanically inclined. My dad owned a wood working facility while I was growing up during this time I learned about hydraulics electrical and rebuilt many different machines with him. I'm no expert but inclined. Lol and I'm trying to get everything going with $5000. Machine, trailer, buisiness name and insurance.
 
Brand any particular reason you have your eye on a hot water unit to get going? A good cold water unit should get you up and running nicely.
 
ncwasherguy said:
Thanks guys. And yes I'm pretty mechanically inclined. My dad owned a wood working facility while I was growing up during this time I learned about hydraulics electrical and rebuilt many different machines with him. I'm no expert but inclined. Lol and I'm trying to get everything going with $5000. Machine, trailer, buisiness name and insurance.
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I would concentrate on Residential until you gain a little more experience, for that all you really need is a cold water set up. Once biz is rolling you may be able to afford a hot water unit. Don't forget to save some money for marketing materials. To really get you up & rolling $5k is kinda low for a budget....do it right and you'll make $5k a week.
 
Thanks for all of this information.

I completely agree with the cold water phiolosophy. My original business plan was to go with a cold water unit. And I'm still leaning that way very strongly.
The whole reason hot water has came up is because of a couple of my old business connections. A couple of them have gotten into real estate as commercial property managers. Giving me a good in with commercial.

But after all of the comments and running figures I feel that a cold water unit set up correctly is going to be my best option. The extra money available for marketing, spare parts and the unexpected will be a better use for my fledgling business.

That being said the unit I have had my eye on for the past 6 or 8 months is the pressure pro 4040 which is a honda engine belt drive 4000 psi 4gpm unit.
From everything I have read this is plenty for residential work. But will it be sufficient for light industrial flat concrete work? And what kind of size surface cleaner could be used with this unit?
 
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